July 29, 2017

I kick off this edition of the Saturday Evening Post, Howard County, MD edition, by informing you that Scott Ewart of the ScottE Blog and I are co-hosting HoCo's biggest, baddest, and most boisterous Howard County Blog Party! Geared squarely at bloggers, those who read blogs, those who like blogs, those who hate blogs, those who are indifferent about blogs, and people who hold, are seeking, or considering running for office. In fact, not just should anyone with a Twitter, Instagram or even MySpace account attend. This event will be mandatory attendance for anyone who's curious about their community.

This incredibly timely, fun, informative event will be held Monday, August 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 at Bare Bones Grill and Brewery, 9150 Baltimore National Pike (aka US40), Ellicott City, MD 21042. The event is free to attend but you really oughtta RSVP so we can tell the restaurant how much food to prepare. That's right-- you know I don't do things halfway! There will be a free happy hour buffet as well as double happy hour savings-- that's $2 off drinks-- for registrants. So what are you waiting for? Oh, the link? It's here!

This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of the flooding in downtown Ellicott City. I recall where I was; at the Billy Joel concert at Nationals Park, and while the concert was in delay, my Facebook was showing me posts of there being water rescues on Main Street. At the time I thought maybe a couple people hydroplaned and/or just didn't know how to drive. And, eerily, the last few days have involved occasionally strong downpours in the HoCo, especially in the Ellicott City area.

Although the rains of the past few days have reached nothing like the magnitude of those from last year, as of this writing Ellicott City is fine. Which is great! Let's hope the time soon comes when a rainstorm can come without our having to worry about if Ellicott City is going to flood. And for those of you who are so inclined, please stay #ECStrong.

Oh, and incidentally, is it bad form to here mention that I never got my "#ECStrong" t-short from the place I sent $24 to online when I ordered one, because they were out at the time and only taking online orders. Well, bad form or no, I didn't get it. And, take it easy-- I don't recall the name of the store that was selling them so if someone can help me out-- maybe even fill my order!-- it would be much appreciated.

And it's a hashtag that I want to take to task in my third and final point on today's blog. Remember when Governor Hogan had cancer? And remember how the hashtag #HoganStrong was used by so many people in Maryland, regardless of any dividing characteristic, to wish the Governor well? I do, and I recall wishing him well on this very blog. Cancer sucks and I can't wait, though I will likely never see, the day when all cancers are 100% curable from all stages.

Well, at the Tawes crab feast last week, I happened by the Governor's campaign "Change Maryland" bus, and while the #ChangeMaryland hashtag appeared on the bus, so too did #HoganStrong!

OK, so what the hell. In my mind, #HoganStrong has nothing to do with the Governor's political acumen or the manner in which he has led the state. If that were true, the appropriate hashtag would be #HoganDisappointment! Rather, #HoganStrong has to do with a personal issue, and I believe it's fair and fine to wish the Governor good health while not agreeing politically. I can think of many an elected official and candidate who didn't advertise their personal challenges as a reason to vote for them. Such as, every single one of them. So the fact that Governor Hogan and/or his people feel the need to break that wall is, in my view, and to coin a phrase, sad!

Of course, the Hogan Freaks will say I'm just being a sensitive, politically correct liberal. And the Hogan Freaks are clowns. So there's that.